The Dickson Poon School of Law is committed to advancing justice, shaping public debate and responding to the legal challenges of a rapidly changing world.
As a global and interdisciplinary community, we bring together research, teaching and practice to address real world problems with intellectual rigour, ethical responsibility and societal impact. Our research informs policy, legislation and regulation, and our teaching is shaped by professional experience, research, moral responsibility and innovation.
Through research and practice, our academics and students frequently demonstrate international, national and local impact ranging from success in international climate litigation to influencing policymakers on homelessness in London. We are proud to have been ranked 16th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2026.
Founded in the nineteenth century, The Dickson Poon School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in England, recognised internationally for quality and impact of its scholarship and education.
Building on this strong heritage, we continue to evolve. In alignment with King’s Strategy 2030, we are strengthening our commitment to academic excellence in service of society, investing in innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration and new approaches to legal education and research, while remaining firmly grounded in the values and traditions that define us.
Our expertise
Our expertise spans public, private, and international law, as well as jurisprudence, criminal, intellectual property, digital, medical, corporate, financial and commercial law.
We are at the forefront of research and education at the intersection of law, artificial intelligence and technology. Recent initiatives have included the launch of the Centre for Data Futures, the introduction of our Digital Law LLM and growing our portfolio of professional and executive education courses on AI and Law.
The Dickson Poon School of Law is a global hub for excellence in legal education and research. Our strong international partnerships and global networks ensure we are able to offer our staff and students opportunities to enrich their research and learning, as well as being part of a vibrant global community.
Our student experience
We have a lively and engaged student community across our undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes. Students who study with us are provided with opportunities to engage with and work on real cases, policy projects and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Our excellent educational offering prepares our students for successful legal and non-legal career pathways. Students can get involved in pro bono, professional development, mooting and many more activities alongside their core studies.
Our award-winning Legal Clinic enables our students to work on live cases to develop their skills and understand the law in context.
Our location
Based in the East Wing of Somerset House, a Grade I listed building on our Strand Campus, we are a short walk from the Royal Courts of Justice and Inns of Court in the heart of legal London. Our location enables us to have excellent contacts with practitioners and policymakers, and we have a strong tradition of engagement with the legal profession.